Better hearing is a rare commodity these days. Studies show that more and more people have hearing loss. Today, 1 out of 9 Americans have hearing loss – including almost half of all people over the age of 65.
Better hearing is more than just hearing instruments. It’s about living life to the fullest. It’s about educating yourself about hearing loss, and it’s about finding the right hearing professional you can trust.
Hearing instruments are a substitute for normal hearing, not a replacement. They are part of the solution to the problem of hearing loss. Today’s hearing instruments don’t whistle or squeal, they are telephone compatible and they can filter out unwanted background noises. And the best part is that today’s hearing instruments are virtually invisible, so you don’t have to worry about what others think. However, hearing instruments are only the start.
The more you know about hearing, the better your decision will be. Understanding how the ear works, and how it affects your communication will help you better understand why you may play the TV loud or ask others to repeat themselves.
Studies show that a trusted, caring hearing professional is the main component to better hearing. Your hearing professional should evaluate your hearing and determine your eligibility for amplification. You should learn the cause and degree of damage of your hearing loss. Your hearing professional should set proper hearing goals for you based on your lifestyle. Then, once you have set yourself on the path to better hearing, you should enjoy the journey.
New hearing instrument wearers undergo rehabilitation. Just like physical therapy strengthens the muscles after an accident, hearing instruments strengthen the ear to hear. The longer a patient waits to begin this rehabilitation, the less restorative the results will be. Hearing loss isn’t a matter of life or death, it’s a matter of life. Your quality of life is important, so give yourself the better hearing you deserve.